Three Mayo schools among recipients of Heritage School Tours Bus Grant Scheme

The Historic Houses of Ireland ‘Heritage School Tours Bus Grant Scheme’ has announced its eight grant recipients across the country who will visit historic houses and heritage sites. The Mayo recipients are Ardagh National School who intend to visit the National Museum of Country Life, St. Joseph's Foxford who intend to go to Rathcroghan Tulsk, and Scoil Muire agus Pádraig in Swinford who will be visiting Birr Castle.

The grant scheme has been enabled by a generous donation from the Henry Cobbe Charitable Trust, a Community Foundation Ireland Donor-Advised Fund.

Henry Cobbe, whose family has a long-standing connection with Newbridge House, Co Dublin, said: “School trips to heritage sites can be an eye-opener and sometimes unlock a life-changing interest. But with the cost pressures on fuel and transport, this has put them out of reach for many schools. It’s great to see Historic Houses of Ireland bring this idea to life in a way that can help connect schools with historic houses, museums and heritage sites across Ireland.”

Historic Houses of Ireland is a charity representing and advocating for heritage in private ownership across the island. It currently has two hundred and fifty members, from thatched cottages and vernacular farmhouses up to some of Ireland’s most iconic castles and estates.

Thomas Emmet, events and external relations officer at Historic Houses of Ireland said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this grant scheme thanks to the donation. It enables schools, and particularly Deis and Desi Plus schools, across the four provinces to visit not only our member houses like Birr Castle in Offaly and Salthill Gardens in Donegal, but also heritage sites throughout the country like Fota House in Cork and the National Museum of Country Life. As a charity, we are focused on educating the next generation of heritage enthusiasts and inspiring them and this is a fantastic addition to widening access to a broad range of sites. Congratulations to these three fantastic schools."

Applications for the 2027/2028 school year will open on Wednesday, February 10.

Schools wishing to apply are asked to email t.emmet@ihh.ie.